Second, on the list they all had their achievements listed out. They had paragraphs dedicated to them and their achievements. The article doted on about all the things they had managed to achieve by their age and in my paragraph, it spoke about the most recent controversies with Joseph. There was only one line that stated that I was even in the fashion world.
I know that wasn’t Francine’s fault but it was obvious the way the media was portraying it, I was the joke of the bunch, the ‘class clown’ for lack of better words. I was there as cannon fodder for the media’s entertainment.
And third, which was the most important for me and was mentioned four times in the article- yes, I counted. I was the only person of color there.
CHAPTER 14: TWENTY EIGHT DAYS POST BREAK UP
I thought that because I was able to go home safely yesterday that there would be no reaction to the news. I thought that people were calm and happy by the choices.
I was wrong, because I woke up this morning to a message from Marissa telling me to brace myself when coming to the office because there was a crowd outside of people and the media trying to get pictures and statements from everyone.
She told me she used the back entrance and most employees who didn’t want the hassle were using it but asked that I use the front so they don’t start trying to search for the other entrance.
Miles arrived at my house at exactly the time I told him to which was surprising. I expected him to be early or late butnot exactly on time. It was almost like he was waiting for the exact time to hit before he sent me a text.
I didn’t ask any questions and instead went to the driver’s side of my car but he faked a cough.
“Can I help you with something?” I asked and he cleared his throat.
“I think it would be better if I drove.”
“I’m perfectly capable of driving myself to work.”
“Have you seen the front of your office?” he didn’t wait for me to respond, he pulled out his phone then pressed play on a video and handed it to me.
When Marissa told me there was a crowd, she lied; it was frenzy out there. It was packed and people were screaming. It was live streaming and I saw Nathan and his crew arrive. It took the collective help of four bodyguards to get them inside.
I knew I was beat here, so I handed the key to Miles, “If you get even a scratch on my car, I will kill you.”
“I’ll make sure your car is safe.” I muttered a quick prayer under my breath and made my way into the back seat.
The video didn’t prepare me for just how chaotic it was. As soon as Miles parked the car, everyone rushed from their place at the door towards my car and started screaming my name and taking pictures. I have never been so grateful for tinted glasses before today.
“Just keep your head down and I’ll get us out.” He said, “Are you ready?”
“Of course,” I added under my breath, “It’s show time.”
Miles got out first and I saw the momentary confusion before they continued the frenzy. He ignored them expertly and made his way over to me. He opened my side of the door and the screaming somehow intensified.
I kept my head down and Miles kept one hand respectfully around my shoulder and used the other to push the people out of our way. It felt like hours until we got inside but I’m sure in reality, it was less than two minutes.
As soon as we were in the safety of the building, I smoothed down my outfit and made sure my hair was still in place. I looked over at Miles who looked unfazed by what had happened.
“Thank you,” I said and he gave me a simple shrug. “If you need help, I can ask Grayson to send someone.”
“I prefer to work alone.” He cut in, “I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave.”
I admired his bluntness and the ease with which he spoke. I knew there was nothing else to say so I just nodded and made my way over to my office.
I made sure to stop by Marissa’s first to see how she was doing. I know she doesn’t particularly do well with crowds and today would have been a scare for her but she seemed fine. In fact, she assured me she was fine and she had been warned about the crowd so she knew to not come this way.
When I was sure she was fine, I went into my office to continue my outfit for the show. I had barely settled down when my phone rang.
I expected it to be Olivia but I was shocked instead to see my father’s name flash across my screen. I picked up after the third ring and put it on speaker.
“Good morning sir.”
“Good morning, I saw the article; congratulations. Even though I don’t understand what they were talking about.”
